Print

Cozy Butter Pecan Cookie Bars Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Glaze

butter pecan cookie bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These butter pecan cookie bars feature a rich brown butter glaze and a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, making them an effortless yet impressive treat for cozy gatherings or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) pecans, chopped and toasted
  • For the brown butter glaze:
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan lightly or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until the batter is glossy and rich.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Fold in the toasted pecans gently.
  8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. While baking, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and nutty smelling (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
  11. In a bowl, whisk the browned butter with 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk for consistency if needed.
  12. Once the bars have cooled slightly (about 10 minutes), drizzle the brown butter glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes.
  13. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Toast pecans to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep bars tender. Let bars cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting the glaze. If glaze thickens, warm gently or whisk before using. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter pecan cookie bars, brown butter glaze, easy cookie bars, pecan dessert, cozy dessert, quick baking, nutty cookie bars

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/cozy-butter-pecan-cookie-bars-recipe-with-easy-brown-butter-glaze/